Get the Message

The biennial National Conference for Media Reform is descending on Denver from April 5 through April 7, and the confab will kick off from 7 to 11 p.m. tonight with an official pre-party at the Mercury Cafe, 2199 California Street, hosted by Jason Bosch’s ArgusFest, Free Press (organizer of the conference) and the Merc, Marilyn Megenity’s restaurant/club/community gathering spot that we labeled a Colorado Classic in the Best of Denver 2013. The club also won Best Free Entertainment — and while donations are being taken at the door tonight to benefit ArgusFest and musical guests, including Jonny 5 (James Laurie, MC of the Flobots), singer-songwriter Laura Goldhamer and DJ RIPM with special guest Cavem Moetavation, no one will be turned away. Get the message?

The evening starts with the U.S. premiere of Shadows of Liberty, a documentary exploring censorship, coverups and corporate control of the media, which will be followed by a discussion. Then the action moves upstairs at 9 p.m. for music, entertainment and dancing. There will be a party Friday at the McNichols Building and Saturday at Deer Pile.
And, yes, the conference will offer serious programming, too, with presenters ranging from Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, co-hosts of Democracy Now!, to Evangeline Lilly of The Hobbit and former Federal Communications Commissioner Michael Copps. Most programs will be at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, 1550 Court Place; for more information, go to Get the Message
, or call 1-877-888-1533.
April 4-7, 2013